Senate Bill 2277 would prevent a clear title to a salvage vehicle. The bill says the Department of Revenue shall establish the requirements for a salvage certificate of title.

The bill says before a branded title may be issued for a vehicle for which a salvage certificate of title has been issued, the applicant would have to submit, by hand delivery or mail, such documents and information to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. That could require that an applicant bring a vehicle for a branded title to a Highway Patrol facility for a visual inspection.

Fillingane said he believes it is unethical for damaged vehicles to be sold without knowledge of the buyer that they have been in a flood.

Sen. Joey Carter, R-Gulfport, said he heard of vehicles being cut into half and wielded back together with other parts.

"Not only is this unethical, but it's a safety issue,": Carter said.

Fillingane said when it comes to flooded vehicles it may not be known for months that they have been in a flood unless a vehicle is taken to a mechanic. He said it could be months before the vehicle begins to rust from the salt water of the flood waters.

But Sen. J.P. Wilemon, D-Belmont, said he has 10 to 12 body shops in his district and there hasn't been a problem with them deceiving customers.

"Where I come from there is no deception," Wilemon said. "I wouldn't like to see some nice people hurt by this."

But Fillingane said, although there hasn't been a problem in Wilemon's district, there have been problems in other senators' districts.

Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, said he supported the bill because he has seen a lot of flooded vehicles for sale in his district.

Senate Bill 2277 now goes to the House for consideration. If it passes and is signed into law, it would take effect July 1.